Richmond, BC – Pacific Coastal Airlines marked a new chapter in regional travel today with the inaugural flight from Cranbrook (YXC) to Kelowna (YLW). The special event brought together airline representatives, airport officials, local authorities, business partners, and members of the media to celebrate the launch of this convenient new connection.

Celebrations kicked off in Cranbrook with a cheerful ribbon-cutting ceremony and swag bags for passengers departing on the inaugural flight. The first flight departed Cranbrook at 9:00 a.m. and arrived in Kelowna at 8:55 a.m., landing on schedule. Guests onboard included representatives from Pacific Coastal Airlines, Cranbrook Airport (YXC), Kootenay Rockies Tourism, and Tourism Cranbrook, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the new service.

At Kelowna International Airport (YLW), attendees were welcomed with remarks from City of Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, Berkan Kucukkatipoglu, Pacific Coastal Airlines Director of Commercial Planning, Gemma Hamilton, YXC Financial Manager, and Phillip Elchitz, YLW Director of Operations & Innovation. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official start of operations, with commemorative gifts exchanged between the airports and Pacific Coastal to celebrate the milestone.

Following the ceremony, business partners joined a reception at Kelowna Airport to network and learn more about Pacific Coastal’s expanding service offerings, regional growth at YLW, and ongoing commitment to customer experience.

“Today’s inaugural flight underscores Pacific Coastal Airlines’ commitment to connecting communities across British Columbia,” said Berkan Kucukkatipoglu, Director of Commercial Planning. “Kelowna has become a very important city for us and is now a key regional hub. We’re proud of the investment we’re making here and excited to continue growing and expanding our services.”

“With the addition of Cranbrook, YLW is proud to host up to seven daily Pacific Coastal departures,” said Sam Samaddar, YLW Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to see Pacific Coastal’s network continue to expand at YLW, strengthening Kelowna’s role as a transportation hub for travellers and goods in our province.”

“We are ecstatic to officially welcome the return of Pacific Coastal Airlines to YXC. This renewed partnership represents a vital enhancement to our regional connectivity and is of utmost importance to our community and the broader Kootenay region. The return of this improved version of the OK (Okanagan – Kootenay) Connector is scheduled for optimized connectivity to not only Kelowna but through to/from Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox, bridging 3 of BC’s 6 Tourism Regions, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and Kootenay in a compelling new way,” says Tristen Chernove, CEO, Elevate Airports inc. “Regional connectivity is vital to the economic diversification and strength of British Columbia and Pacific Coastal, BC’s airline is demonstrating once again, a deep commitment to the travel needs of residents and visitors alike.

Flight Schedule (effective October 27, 2025)

Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency
8P691 Cranbrook (YXC) 09:00 Kelowna (YLW) 08:55 Sunday to Friday
8P698 Kelowna (YLW) 17:35 Cranbrook (YXC) 19:30 Sunday to Friday
8P693 Cranbrook (YXC) 11:00 Kelowna (YLW) 10:55 Saturday only
8P696 Kelowna (YLW) 15:40 Cranbrook (YXC) 17:35 Saturday only

The new service also offers convenient connections via Kelowna to Vancouver Island destinations, including Nanaimo (YCD), Victoria (YYJ), and Comox (YQQ), enhancing travel options across Pacific Coastal’s growing network.

Expanded Service Across BC

With this new Cranbrook–Kelowna route, Pacific Coastal now offers seven daily departures from Kelowna to regional destinations, including:

  • Victoria (YYJ): 14 flights per week (double daily)
  • Nanaimo (YCD): 13 flights per week (double daily Sunday to Friday, daily Saturday)
  • Comox (YQQ): 6 flights per week (daily Sunday to Friday, no service Saturday)
  • Prince George (YXS): 6 flights per week (daily Sunday to Friday, no service Saturday)
  • Cranbrook (YXC): 7 flights per week (daily)

With the introduction of this route, Pacific Coastal Airlines now serves 20 destinations across British Columbia, more than any other airline, a new milestone in the company’s history.

Launch Promotion – Limited Time Offer

To celebrate the new non-stop service, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering 20% off flights between Cranbrook (YXC) and Kelowna (YLW), as well as connecting destinations between Cranbrook (YXC) & Nanaimo (YCD), Victoria (YYJ), and Comox (YQQ).

Travellers can book by November 4, 2025, using promo code YXC2025.

For full details or to book, visit pacificcoastal.com, call 1-800-663-2872, or contact your local travel agent.

  

About Pacific Coastal Airlines

Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately owned, British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) South Terminal. Serving 20 destinations across BC, the airline is committed to connecting communities with reliable and convenient air travel. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers of 2025, Pacific Coastal Airlines fosters a strong workplace culture while delivering exceptional service.

As the 13th-largest airline at YVR by total outbound seats and the third-largest by take-offs and landings, Pacific Coastal Airlines plays a key role in regional aviation. In addition to scheduled flights, the airline provides customized charter and cargo services throughout British Columbia and Western Canada, supporting businesses, tourism, and remote communities.

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 Media contact:
Quentin Smith, President
Email: corpcom@pacificcoastal.com